Be Prepared for Any Type of Emergency

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Be Prepared for Severe Weather

At any given time, nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring somewhere on Earth. Thunderstorms occur more often in the spring and summer months, but can happen year round. They are most likely to hit during the afternoon and evening, but can happen any time of the day or night. Power outages are one of the most common problems residents and businesses face during servere weather. Preparations should be made in advance in case of long term power outages.

Thunderstorms can be deadly. According to FEMA, lightning injures an average of three hundred people and causes about 80 fatalities each year. As dangerous as lightning is, flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities than any other danger associated with thunderstorms.
For information on what to do before, during and after any kind of severe whether or natural disaster, go to FEMA website.

Be Flood Ready

FEMA and NOAA have created an interactive “flood impact map” that features localized, searchable data about the scope and severity of flood events in recent years. The map is available at www.floodsmart.gov/noaa, and the new web page contains tips on what to do before, during, and after a flood, and encourages flood insurance protection among other measures.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) makes flood insurance available to renters, homeowners, and business owners through approximately 85 insurance companies in more than 20,800 participating communities nationwide. Flood coverage can be purchased for properties both in and outside of, the highest risk areas. We are encouraging individuals to learn more about seasonal flood risks and what to do to prepare by visiting www.floodsmart.gov, or calling 1-800-427-2419.

Preparedness Basics

Water: Unlike food, you can’t live without water! Keep as much water as you can manage on hand. Ideally you will have enough for each family member to have one gallon per day for two weeks.

Flashlights: The power could go out at any time. Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Store them in a place that is easy to reach in the dark. Be careful using open candles. They may cause a fire.

A Radio: Have a battery-powered or crank radio in an easy to reach location. If you need to shelter in place, you can listen to the radio for instructions and information.

Food: Stock up on the food you normally use and enjoy. Foods that don’t need refrigeration or cooking are best. If the electricity goes off, use foods that might spoil first. Then use foods from the freezer followed by non perishables.

Medicines: If you use prescription medicines, keep an extra supply on hand. If anyone in the family uses special medical devices, talk to your doctor about what to do if there’s a problem with them. Buy or put together a first aid kit. Take it with you if you’re asked to leave your home.

Bank records: Keep paper copies of your bank, credit card and other financial records in a waterproof bag (like a Ziploc). You should also keep all important records in a safe location away from your home, like a safety deposit box. In case you need to leave, keep a little extra cash on hand in small bills and change. You could store it in your portable emergency kit. For in depth information on financial disaster prepadness, go to Emergency Finanacial First Aid Kit (EFFAK).